In the Know for You to Know

This week we’re continuing our discussion about the importance of tweens and teens maintaining good oral health habits.

As they strive for more independence their good habits may fall to the side; as they’re finding out being a teen can be awesome and tough at the same time.

If you’re at a loss as to how to talk with your tween or teen, we’ve put together some tips on how they can maintain excellent dental health.

Brushing Teeth

Brushing teeth is important for keeping teeth healthy and preventing tooth decay. Unfortunately teenagers don’t always brush their teeth, and there could be several reasons for this.

For example, your child might not understand the importance of brushing their teeth and gums, they might forget to do it, or they may not want to because none of their friends are brushing.

How To Tell If Your Teen Isn’t Brushing Their Teeth

There are a few ways for you to know if your tween or teen isn’t keeping up with tooth brushing ~

Their toothbrush doesn’t look like it’s been used.
The tube of toothpaste is lasting a very long time.
Their teeth don’t look clean.
They may have bad breath (aka halitosis).
They have red, swollen, bleeding gums.

Toothbrushing Basics

These are some basic steps in case your tween or teen needs some gentle reminding for brushing their teeth.

Use a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste on their toothbrush.
Place the toothbrush at a 45° angle towards the gum-line. If you’re using a manual toothbrush, move the brush in gentle circles. If you’re using an electric toothbrush, move the brush gently across the teeth.
Start with the top teeth. Brush the outside surface of the top teeth and along the gum-line, one tooth at a time. Then brush the inside surface of the teeth and gums, one tooth at a time.
Move to the bottom teeth and repeat as in the step above.
Brush along the chewing surfaces of all the teeth.
Gently brush the tongue.
Toothbrush for 2 minutes. Remember to brush for 2 minutes every morning (after breakfast) and for 2 minutes every night (before bed).
Spit out the toothpaste after brushing is finished. There’s no need to rinse with water. Any leftover fluoride toothpaste helps to build strong, healthy teeth.
Now that their teeth are nice and clean it’s best not to have anything more to eat or drink. If they do then they have to brush all over again.

As well as brushing, your child should use dental floss to clean between their teeth every evening before brushing.

Does My Teen Really Need To Floss?

Yes. Brushing is important but it won’t remove the particles of food between their teeth and around their gum-line. You need to floss these spaces at least once a day.

With any floss, you should be careful to avoid hurting your gums. You and your teen can follow these basic steps ~

Carefully insert the floss between two teeth, using a back and forth motion. Gently bring the floss under the gum-line, but don’t force it under the gums.
Curve the floss around the side of your tooth in the shape of the letter “C” and slide it up and down the side of each tooth.
Repeat this process between all your teeth.

Choosing The Correct Toothbrush

When you and your teen are choosing a toothbrush, it’s important to look for a brush which has ~

Soft bristles- these aren’t rough and won’t damage your child’s gums or tooth enamel.
A long handle – this will help your child reach all their teeth.
A small head – this will make it easy for your child to move the toothbrush one tooth at a time around their mouth.

Electric Or Manual Toothbrush?

Electric and manual toothbrushes are equally good, as long as you use them properly to clean all the surfaces of all your child’s teeth. Electric toothbrushes can be useful if you feel your child needs more control in positioning the brush.

What To Remember

Dental decay is one of the most common chronic diseases in young people. This makes it imperative for your child to continue to follow good oral health habits during their teen years.

Do you prefer a manual toothbrush or electric brush for your teenager? How’s their toothbrushing going? How many times a week does your teen floss? What works best for you when it comes to their toothbrushing routine? Tell us, We’d really like to know! Send us an email at kidstoothhotline@proton.me Like Us on Facebook